Apparatus and methods for improved building lighting

Abstract

The present invention is directed generally to a new flat or A-frame pop-up canopy, shelter, cover, and/or awning, to the integration of skylights and electrical lights systems, to clocks and watches that can record a persons preferred alarm voice or video, winter gloves made to look like or with caricatures formed with or on them, digital radio and TV systems with a method of overcoming lost signal interruptions, and a single vent HVAC temperature control systems. Each of these approaches make life easier and/or more fun for people.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. An apparatus, comprising:
 an electric light skylight fixture module including:
 a shell having a natural light admitting area through which natural light is admitted into a building; 
 a frame fitted inside the light admitting area of the shell; 
 a plurality of electric lights mounted to the frame and spanning the natural light admitting area within the shell; and 
 a plurality of automatically adjustable louvers mounted below the shell and the plurality of electric lights. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the electric light skylight fixture module further comprises;
 a control system for automatically adjusting the louvers or electrical lights. 
 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the shell is formed of a plastic, glass or plexiglass material. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the plurality of electric lights mounted to the frame and the shell are integrally formed as a single module. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the electric light skylight fixture module further comprises;
 a plurality of shields covering the plurality of electric lights. 
 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the louvers are made from a light admitting material that filters the natural light that enters a building. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the louvers include a mirrored surface to enhance the light from the electric light or natural light that enters a building. 
     
     
       8. An apparatus, comprising:
 an electric light and skylight fixture including:
 a light admitting shell for mounting to a roof and letting in natural light to a building; and 
 
 an internal electric light fixture including at least one electric light for providing electrical light when needed or desired; and
 a plurality of automatically adjustable louvers mounted below the light admitting shell and the plurality of electric lights, wherein the internal electric light fixture is housed completely within the light admitting shell. 
 
 
     
     
       9. The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the electric light and skylight fixture further comprises:
 a frame that fits inside the light admitting shell; and 
 a plurality of electric lights mounted to the frame. 
 
     
     
       10. The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the electric light and skylight fixture further comprises;
 a control system for automatically adjusting the louvers or electrical lights. 
 
     
     
       11. The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the light admitting shell is made of a plastic, glass or plexiglass material. 
     
     
       12. The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein at least the frame, plurality of electric lights, and light admitting shell are integrally formed as a single module for attachment or installation to a building. 
     
     
       13. The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein at least the frame, plurality of electric lights, and light admitting shell are integrally formed as a single module for attachment or installation to a building. 
     
     
       14. The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the louvers are made from a light admitting material that filters the light that enters the building. 
     
     
       15. A skylight/electrical light fixture module for attachment to a building to provide natural and artificial lighting, comprising:
 a building skylight fixture for providing natural light to the inside of a building; 
 an electric light fixture coupled to the skylight fixture for providing electrically generated light when needed or desired, wherein the electric light fixture includes at least one electric light, is housed completely within the building skylight fixture, and is mounted to be within and below the span of area of the building skylight fixture where the natural light is admitted from outside the building; and
 an automatic shutter mounted below the light admitting shell and the electric light fixture. 
 
 
     
     
       16. The module of  claim 15 , wherein the automatic shutter includes a plurality of automatically adjustable shutters, and further comprising:
 a light sensor; and 
 a microprocessor coupled to the light sensor and programmed to automatically open and close the automatic shutter according to a desired light intensity in the building. 
 
     
     
       17. The module of  claim 16 , wherein the automatic shutter is a two-way type to adjust the amount of light by eliminating or reducing light when oriented in one direction and magnifying the amount of light when oriented in another direction. 
     
     
       18. The module of  claim 17 , wherein the building skylight fixture includes a shield that may be polarized or have a mirrored surface. 
     
     
       19. The module of  claim 18 , further comprising a potentiometer or switch to manually adjust the automatic shutter. 
     
     
       20. The module of  claim 16 , further comprising the following parts coupled together into an operable skylight and electrical light module including:
 an internal frame for mounting parts of the electrical light module; 
 a light bulb for generating artificial light; 
 an electric motor for driving the automatic shutter; 
 a microprocessor for controlling the electric motor and/or light bulb; and 
 a polarized shield for polarizing light through the module; 
 a programming device to set operation of the module to a desired performance, wherein all of the parts to the module are assemble into a single unit prior to delivery at a building onto which the module will be installed.